IS IT CLINICALLY APPROVED?

Botox has recently been widely recognized as an effective treatment for axillary hyperhydrosis or excessive underarm sweating after its FDA approval came through in 2004. It is specifically reserved for candidates who do not get benefit from use of topical antiperspirants.

HOW DOES THIS TREATMENT WORK?

Botox works by blocking the secretion of the chemical – acetylcholine that activates/ “turns on” sweat glands to induce sweating. Because of the blockage of this neurotransmission by Botox, sweating is stopped as sweat glands are “turned off”.

Although it is an injection, the procedure is made virtually painless by giving prior anaesthetic injection or topical anaesthesia.

HOW MANY INJECTIONS NEEDS TO BE TAKEN FOR EFFECTIVE RESULT?

Ordinarily 50 units are injected in each axilla / underarm for effective control of sweating. When injected adequately, Botox reduces 82 – 87 % of sweating as per statistics.

HOW SOON ONE CAN SEE THE RESULT?

Results start to be noticeable approximately 2 to 4 days after treatment with the full effects usually noted within 2 weeks.

HOW LONG THE RESULTS OF ONE SESSION LASTS?

The results last for 4 to 8 months and need to repeated thereafter.

DOES BOTOX AFFECT TEMPERATURE REGULATION ?

While sweating is responsible for body’s thermoregulation, people often wonder if botox hinders that in any way. It is important to understand that underarms are responsible for no more than 2 % of sweat glands of the entire body so its role in thermoregulation is miniscule.